US arrests ex-Iranian General Soleimani’s relatives after Green Cards cancelled

Published on April 5, 2026

In a surprising turn of events, United States authorities have arrested several relatives of the late Iranian General Qasem Soleimani following the cancellation of their permanent residency status. The arrests have sparked controversy and raised questions regarding immigration policies and national security.

The individuals arrested, who are said to be distant relatives of Soleimani, were taken into custody after their Green Cards were revoked due to their connections to the high-ranking military official killed in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad in January 2020. Soleimani was a pivotal figure in Iran’s military operations and was designated as a terrorist States, which has heightened scrutiny on anyone connected to him.

The enforcement action comes as part of a broader crackdown on immigration involving individuals associated with terrorism or those deemed threats to U.S. national security. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stated that such measures are essential to maintaining the safety and security of the American populace.

Critics of the arrests argue that this action unfairly targets individuals based on their familial connections rather than any direct involvement in unlawful activities. In recent years, the U.S. immigration system has come under fire for a number of policies perceived to be discriminatory, particularly against individuals from predominantly Muslim countries.

Following the arrests, Iranian officials condemned the U.S. actions, labelling them as politically motivated. They have called for the immediate release of the detainees, emphasizing the need for families to remain united regardless of political conflicts.

The situation highlights the complex interplay between immigration policy, national security concerns, and the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran. As the fallout from these arrests continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this will impact U.S.-Iran relations and the families affected.

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